What is Online Collaborative Inquiry? Well, it is defined as a group of local and global learners who reach a common outcome while co-constructing multiple pathways of knowledge. We as humans are continuously using the internet as a tool to benefit our work in and out of academic settings. Examples of good online collaborative tools are Flipgrid, Padlet, and Blogger (Click on them to go to their websites). These all allow students to communicate and collaborate with peers and others throughout the world that have different views or values than them. On the Web Literacy Map, Online Collaborative Inquiry falls under participate. Participate includes the following: sharing, collaborating, community participation, and privacy. In order to participate students must be engaged in their learning, and traditional education can lack student engagement.
In order to be effective in the classroom, we as a community must allow for connected learning. Connected learning is when someone is pursuing a personal interest with the support of peers, mentors, and caring adults, and in ways that open up opportunities for them. To watch a video on this concept click here. When an individual is a connected learner, they have a web of relationships and organizations that support their learning, beyond the formal educational pipeline. Some argue that technology is too big of a distraction to incorporate into their lesson plans, but I would argue that. Technology can be beneficial as long as it is incorporated in the appropriate way. There are many principles of connected learning which include the following: interest powered, production centered, peer-supported, shared purpose, academically oriented, and lastly openly-networked. Research has proved that when children are personally interested in a topic, the learner achieves a much higher learning outcome. Production centered focuses on producing and creating, this promotes skills for lifelong learning. If one has these skills one can make meaningful contributions to society. When individuals have peer support they are more likely to thrive socially. Shared purpose allows students to make connections with others online who share a common interest.
Lastly when a student or child is supported not just in their school environment but multiple other settings in their lives they are able to achieve great success. As one can conclude we must examine all the opinions on connected learning because it truly can benefit children socially and intellectually. I believe that in order for our students or children to strive academically we as educators, parents, grandparents, or caregivers must allow our minds to become open minded to the evolving world around us.
Education Boulevard 